Customer Reviews

King & Raven

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As an avid reader of all the retellings of the Arthurian legend, as well as the tracts that attempt to place it in historical perspective, I am always thrilled to find a unique version. And I have to put "King & Raven" in that category. It managed to remain "true" to the mainline version of the tale, yet the introduction of the peasant perspective gave it a realism I had not yet seen. The shabby treatment of the common people of the day was not something I had ever considered before, but I can only feel it was accurate. As a result, Raven, the accidental knight, has become the first character of the legend that I can truly say I would have wanted to be. He truly embodied the spirit of chivalry that the "true" knights could never achieve because of their petty vanities and self-indulgence. As I came to the final pages of the book, I realized I wasn't ready for it to end! In Cornish folklore, Arthur's soul went into a raven's body upon his death. I can only hope that Mr. James is planning on tying this tidbit into a sequel!

Reading this book makes one wish it would not end. The absolute passion that "Raven" feels after much strife, and the absolute determination he has for avenging his sisters violent death is mesmerizing. An absolute must read for those who love Aurthurian Novels.

Not at all what I expected. I also thought the cover looked tame enough so I went ahead and bought it. I was surprised - but not disappointed. Very well written. Although I still wonder what happened to Anduin and Sarah...

Amazing. I have read this story more times than one would care, without even feeling bored. There's something magical about this story and I assure you that it has not lost it's magic. Of course my favorite was Raven, a low classer who rose into a higher lifestyle.

With the usual Arthur story, everyone's read one or two or more of the different variations out there. This is one of the best after MIST OF THE AVALONS. While being told by a young knight, something that turned me off in the beginning, it was a whole new light dawning on this time contained story of love and soul searching. Fabulous.

One of the richest and well written books on Camelot I've had the pleasure of reading. The retelling of Arthurian times as seen through the eyes of a peasant-turned-knight was inspired and intriguing. Mr. James has obviously researched his subject well. The reader can taste the dust, sweat and blood of an ardent knight as well as feel his honor, valor and love of chivalry. This is a book I did not want to end. One can only hope there will be a sequel.

I just loved this book, the point of view from a mere squire into knight was a dangerous risk for an author, but came out just lovely. I was surprised to find so much lust and riping-bodices in this book, the cover appeared quite tame, nevertheless, a book worth reading if you love king Arthur and his court.

Delicious counterpoint to the current Camelot fad

This is one of the best books I've read. It seems more realistic. I loved the characters and the author did such a wonderful job of the writing the book that I couldn't put it down. I think this is a great book and it is one almost everyone would enjoy reading.

The promos on the jacket did not do justice to this story. The book does an excellent job at describing what it could have been like for knights in the age of Chivalry. It covers loyalties, honor and courtly love in a twist of conflicts, conscience and love, all weaved masterfully into the Arthurian legend. The book is a bit lusty at times, but this adds to the story instead of detracting. Although I read almost anything Arthurian, this book sat on my shelf for a while, due to a lack of interest, had I known how good it was, I would have read it much sooner. If you like the main Arthurian characters and the legend, read this book